Impact of stalking on victims

The victims of stalking have been a rich source of information, contributing not only to our understanding of the experience of protracted harassment, but also our knowledge of stalking in general. Through large-scale community surveys and smaller studies of specific victim groups, we have begun to understand the deleterious and potentially devastating effects of stalking victimisation. Apart from the frequent legal prerequisite of fear, and the possibility of injury due to assault, research has shown that victims suffer a wide range of psychological, physical, occupational, social and general lifestyle effects as a consequence of being stalked. As with so many aspects of stalking, the experience and impact can vary greatly between victims with behaviours that may be considered annoying to one victim can have a shattering effect on another.

What is the impact of stalking on victims?

The impact of stalking may vary according to the victim’s characteristics, past experience, current circumstances, and what they know, or don’t know, about the stalker. How others respond to the victim’s situation, including how the stalking is managed by authorities, can influence the overall effect that the stalking episode has on the victim. Despite the complexities that may vary an individual’s experience and reaction to being stalked, research has demonstrated common patterns of response. Although female victims usually report greater levels of fear, studies have found that males subjected to stalking experience similar symptoms to those reported by their female counterparts.

Although not exhaustive, the following are some of the more common effects that victims of stalking experience:

Effects on mental health

Denial, confusion, self-doubt, questioning if what is happening is unreasonable, wondering if they are over-reacting

Frustration

Guilt, embarrassment, self-blame

Apprehension, fear, terror of being alone or that they, others or pets will be harmed.

Others withdrawing from the victim because they don’t believe the victim, they are unable to cope with the victim’s mental state or as a direct consequence of third-party victimisation.

Victim moving to a new area, changing their phone number, name or even their appearance.

Effects on finances

Loss of wages due to sick leave, leaving job or changing career.

Costs incurred through legal fees.

Expense of increasing home and personal security.

Cost involved in repairing property damage.

Seeking psychological counselling and medical treatment.

Cost involved in breaking leases on rented properties.

Expense of relocation.

What may prevent a victim from seeking help?

Not understanding that what is happening to them is stalking and/or illegal.

Trying to pretend that it is not happening.

Believing that they should be able to deal with the situation, thinking that the stalker will see reason, or not wanting to get the stalker into trouble.

Fear that others will think they are over-reacting or that they will be blamed for somehow having encouraged the stalker in the first place. The latter is particularly pertinent for those who have had a previous intimate relationship with the stalker, even if it was only brief or just a flirtation.

Fears about how the stalker will respond either to them or those that they love or care for.

Direct threats from the stalker

Feeling isolated in their plight, believing that there is nothing that can be done to help them, or not knowing who to go to.

Previous requests for help being ignored

Fear of losing their job or the situation becoming more difficult when the stalking originates in the workplace.

Financial limitations in regard to seeking legal advice or taking time off to seek help.

Limited options in respect to changing their situation e.g. relocation to safer housing